chemically combining small molecules called monomers to form long chain structures called polymers

Polymer properties and processes

Design and technology

Pupils will analyse products to identify features in the products.  They will also identify the materials, material properties and manufacturing processes used to create the products.  They will   conduct functional tests to collect and analyse data to inform design decisions.

Product analysis: encouraging healthy lifestyles

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

obtaining the fossil fuels from within the earth's crust

converting the fossil fuels into useful materials

breaking down the material into smaller more manageable molecules

Match the four stages of sourcing and creating polymers to their explanations.

breaking components into smaller molecules

Explain the term fractional distillation.

Materials that are not naturally occurring and need to be manufactured by humans are called ...

What are the properties of polypropylene?

What kind of process is injection moulding?

The moulds are a specialist job which takes time.

Large quantities of identical products can be made.

The advantages of injection moulding are:

Polymers can be categorised as __________.

Polymer products are often stamped with this symbol, why?

They can cause pollution on land and oceans.

Animals can get stuck in or try to eat them.

Why are single use polymers like drinking straws discouraged?

It does not conduct heat, so it's safe to hold.

Why are saucepan handles made from a thermosetting polymer?

Match the products to the thermoforming polymer which it is made from.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz